Venezuelans cast votes for president in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS — Hundreds of Venezuelans living in the U.S. streamed into New Orleans today to cast ballots in the presidential election in their homeland, many of them determined to end the 13-year reign of Hugo Chavez.

With the country’s consulate in Miami closed, thousands of Venezuelans traveled by bus, car and plane to cast their votes at the consulate in New Orleans.

Many spent hundreds of dollars and in some cases more than a day of their time. But several said they were determined to make the journey, as opposition to Chavez among Venezuelans living the U.S. runs high.